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Twin Cities Trails in Minnesota

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Let's Ride!

Minnesota is often known for its lakes, mosquitoes, state fair, and farming. What most people do not know is that this state has a major metropolitan area but still is versatile enough to incorporate nature, recreation, and environmentally conscious transpiration throughout the area. How is this done? This is done through a mile upon mile of biking trails! The Twin Cities, which are St. Paul and Minneapolis, and the surrounding suburbs have a series of trails that not only wind through the metropolitan area, but they connect the lakes, parks, rivers, cliffs, cities, and many other parts of the cities.

The purpose of this lens is to highlight some of the interesting points along the trails. Granted, there is NO WAY that this lens can feature all of the stops. However, if there is a place that you think should be added to this lens, please share your ideas by adding a comment and attach a link in the Guestbook at the bottom of the lens. Thanks!

Table of Contents

#1 - AREA INFO

some helpful links

Before traveling to the area, here are a few sites that can be helpful when planning your trip.
Greater Twin Cities Region Hiking
Get detailed descriptions and maps for Minnesota Greater Twin Cities Region Hiking - Hikes on Trails.com, your outdoor planning resource. ...

State Park Trails - This is a site that I have often referenced because of the abundant and basic information included. The attached link will forward you to an overview of the trails in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Once a park is decided, viewers can be forwarded to more information about the park, location, maps, and overall member rating.
Maps & Where to Ride
Minneapolis Bike Trails - This site is provided by the City of Minneapolis that has a list of maps as well as guidelines for bikers and others who use the trails.
Metropolitan Council - 2005 Regional Parks Map
Map of Parks - For a map of the regional parks, visit this page by the Metropolitan Council.
Metropolitan Council - Regional Parks
Metropolitan Council - This site has a list of maps according to the country and city on the bottom right-hand side of the page. As well, users can access a map.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
There are a lot of trails that are not well-known around the Mississippi River. This is a wonderful link that can show you some of these ... "Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - Mississippi River Trail in Mpls/St. Paul Metro Area (U.S. National Park Service)"
Mississippi River Trail in the Twin Cities
Mississippi River Trails - For those just interested in trails along the Mississippi River, this is the site to use. The link will forward you to a map that includes state parks, camping sites, trail parking, canoe launching sites, and so forth. It has been nicely and professional put together.
Trail Overview
Trail Overview - Transit for Livable Communities has put together a nice page that gives an overview to the trails around the Twin Cities. This site provides basic information about planning a trip, safety, how people can get involved and so forth.
60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Twin Cities Guide Book
See all the trails online from the book 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Twin Cities by Tom Watson ...

This is an article by Tom Watson from the Menasha Ridge Press that not only lists the 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of the Twin Cities but also includes links that can forward users to the specific park.

Feedback

What do you think should be added?

Is there a helpful website that you think should be added to the list? Why do you find this particularly helpful? Feel free to add it here!

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#2 - GREAT STOPS

some wonderful reasons to stop peddling

There are very few of us who are marathon cyclists and bike for more of a recreational purpose. For those, these are a few ideas of some nice excuses to stop peddling and sit for a while. The nice part about these stops is that the vast majority of the tourist sights on this list are free. The only stop that does have some admission fee is Fort Snelling but only if you are interested in touring inside the structure. At the end of the list is a chance for you to add your thoughts to other stops along the trails that you have found to be a nice rest area.

Table of Contents

more info about some great stops

Crosby Farm

Like many of the trails in the Twin Cities, this feels like you are in the woods. The trails are peaceful and gorgeous. You can bike across a wooden path that is built over a lake and then sit along the sandy shore of the Mississippi River. It is a peaceful place to visit!
Crosby Farm Regional Park
Crosby Farm Regional Park via the National Park Service
Trails
Overview of the park
*** Topo Map ***
Map of the park

East Side Stops

St. Paul, MN

The East Side has a rich history! My personal favorite destinations in this area are the Indian Mounds that are located along the Dayton Bluff Cliffs and Swede Hollow. Because the East Side is located wonderfully close to downtown St. Paul, you are also near the St. Paul's Farmer's Market that could also be a refreshing stop.
*** Dayton's Bluff Street Map ***
Street map of Dayton's Bluff.
*** Mounds Map & Info ***
"The Mounds of Saint Paul contain six burial mounds atop the bluff, a reminder of Minnesota's history for future generations. At least 16 burial mounds originally sat on the high bluff. Nineteen more were located further down the bluff above Carver's Cave (now at the end of Cherry Street). Most in Indian Mounds Park were destroyed. It is clear that these mounds were added to by "
*** Swede Hollow Map ***
Map of Swede Hollow via Google
Dayton's Bluff Community Council
"The Dayton's Bluff Community Council is a neighborhood organization designed to encourage participation in and awareness of the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood. It is one of the 17 councils within the Saint Paul District Council System...."
East Side Neighborhood Development
"ESNDC has a rich 30 year history of successes and accomplishments in the East Side neighborhoods including: ..."
Farmers Market in Saint Paul
"This year we are going back to our roots. When the market began back in 1854 the vegetables were brought in by horse drawn wagon. This year you can catch a free ride %u2026 by horse drawn wagon from our parking lots to the market. %u2026 Rides will be available both Saturdays and Sundays all summer. %u2026"
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board - Park System Maps
"Swede Hollow was a neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was one of a large group of neighborhoods collectively known as the East Side, ...Although one of the oldest settlements in the city, it was also arguably the poorest as each wave of immigrants settled in the valley.[1] Swedes, Poles, Italians and Mexicans all at one point called the valley home. ... "
Payne Phalen Neighborhood
" Maps, Natural Resources, Lake Phalen, Swede Hollow, Lower Phalen Creek Project, Bruce Vento Sanctuary, Community Gardens Article: Shaping Your Neighborhood: The Planning Process DR ..."
Swede Hollow - Wikipedia
"Swede Hollow was a neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was one of a large group of neighborhoods collectively known as the East Side, lying just to the east of the near-downtown Railroad Island neighborhood, and at the northwestern base of Dayton's Bluff. It was capped in the north by the sprawling Hamm's Brewery ... one of the oldest settlements in the city, it was also arguably the poorest as each wave of immigrants ...Swedes, Poles, Italians and Mexicans all at one point called the valley home. ..."

Fort Snelling

St. Paul

Fort Snelling %u2026 How can I create a site about places to stop and trails and NOT include this? I cannot! The nice part of visiting this fort is that it is biking distance from Minnehaha Falls. In the meantime, here is a bit more information about Fort Snelling.
*** Fort Snelling Park Map ***
Fort Snelling Park Map
Fort Snelling - Wikipedia
"Fort Snelling, originally known as Fort Saint Anthony, was a military fortification located at the confluence of the Minnesota River and Mississippi River in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a National Park Service unit, includes historic Fort Snelling."
Fort Snelling State Park: Minnesota DNR
This link has a lot of interesting information and antique historical maps of Fort Snelling. Plus, there is information fort admission fees and additional information.

Lakes in Minneapolis

Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet & Lake of the Isle

The three lakes that are relatively close together in Minneapolis are Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles. The trails around the lakes are pretty, often occupied by walkers, and bordered by beautiful homes. Besides, it may be worth a stop in Uptown to stop for a bite to eat or visit the summer art fair.
Lake Calhoun - Wikipedia
Lake Calhoun is the biggest lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and part of the city's Chain of Lakes. Surrounded by city park land and circled by bike and walking trails, it is popular for many outdoor activities. The lake has an area of 401 acres ...
Lake Harriet (Hennepin County, Minnesota) - Wikipedia
Lake Harriet is a lake in the southwest part of Minneapolis, just south of Lake Calhoun and north of Minnehaha Creek. The lake is surrounded by parkland as part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. The lake has an area of 335 acres ...
Lake of the Isles - Wikipedia
Lake of the Isles is a lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota connected to Cedar Lake and Lake Calhoun. It is home to winter ice skating and hockey, as well as a New Year's Eve celebration featuring roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate. The lake has an area of 109 acres (0.4 km2), 2.86 miles (4.6 km) of shoreline ...
Uptown Art Fair
Trying to track down an Uptown Art Fair exhibitor whose work you fell in love with? Interested in taking a peek at past featured talent? View galleries featuring former Uptown Art Fair artists by following the links below ...
Uptown Info
Uptown is an eclectic, vibrant, business, entertainment, and constantly changing area. Restaurants, large and small, thrive in Uptown, along with ...
Uptown Live Music
Info about live music in Minneapolis.
Uptown Restaurants
Uptown Restaurants - Caffrey's Deli & Subs, Lucia's, Chino Latino, French Meadow Café and Fuji Ya. Reviews from critics, food blogs and fellow diners.

Minnehaha Falls

Minneapolis, MN

In the middle of the Twin Cities is Minnehaha Falls. Most people do not consider that there is a beautiful waterfall that is linked to additional trails that lead to the Mississippi River. Even if you are not able to bike to this location, it is definitely worth your time to check out the falls!

If you are in the area of Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, a trail can lead you to Fort Snelling. It is wooded and gorgeous! Keep the falls on your left, and continue biking until you reach the trail. The trail maps should lead you there! Also, if you are interested in crossing the Mississippi River on the Ford Parkways Bridge, there are some nice restaurants and coffee shops in the Highland Park area in St. Paul.
*** Minnehaha Falls Park & Map Info ***
This link does include a map. Click on "MAP" at the page to be forwarded to one.

"The Park's Pavilion features indoor and outdoor picnic areas, gifts, and the Sea Salt Eatery. Rent several styles of bicycles and surreys by the hour. Just east of the Pavillion is the bandstand which features free outdoor concerts of all musical styles, weekly through Labor Day ... the park contains 4 outdoor picnic sites and a picnic shelter with cooking & restroom facilities. The John H. Stevens House, the first wood-frame house in Minneapolis built West of the Mississippi, is open during select hours for tours...."

In the summer visitors enjoy the abundant activities including concerts, picnics, walking and biking trails to the Mississippi River and of course, viewing the falls. In the fall, walking the lower trails reveals beautifully changing leaves and spectacular views of the river and the Ford lock and dam. ..."
Minnehaha Falls - Wikipedia
Minnehaha Creek is a tributary of the Mississippi River located in Hennepin County, Minnesota that extends from Lake Minnetonka in the west and flows east for 22 miles (35 km) through several suburbs west of Minneapolis and then through south Minneapolis. Including Lake Minnetonka, the watershed for the creek covers 181 square miles ...
Minnehaha Park
"The 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and river overlooks. ... isitors take advantage of abundant activities in the summer, including concerts, picnics, walking and viewing the Falls.... Renovations at the Wabun picnic area include a new wading pool, disc golf course, four new picnic shelters, a new restroom building, a volleyball court and a bike/pedestrian trail. ... Bike rental is available ... Reservable picnic areas are available ... An off-leash dog park is located ... [and] a Regional Park Map ... "
St. Paul Restaurants & Cafes
The Twin Cities Dining Guide covers st. paul and minneapolis
minnesota. The twin cities restaurants and greater metro area are listed for easy access and userfriendly...
Song of Hiawatha - Wikipedia
"The Song of Hiawatha is an 1855 epic poem, in trochaic tetrameter, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, featuring an Indian hero and loosely based on legends and ethnography of the Ojibwe (Chippewa, Anishinaabeg) and other Native American peoples contained in Algic Researches and additional writings of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft..."

Mississippi Trails

St. Paul, Minneapolis & More

*** Minnesota Great River Road ***
This is an EXCELLENT site that has trail information for the ALL of the trails along the Mississippi River. "Minnesota Great River Road - National Scenic Byway of the Mississippi River. ..."
*** Trail Maps ***
Maps of trails along the Mississippi River.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - Wikipedia
"The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area protects a 72-mile (116 km) and 54,000-acre (22,000 ha) corridor along the Mississippi River from the cities of ..."
Mississippi River Trail - Minnesota
"The MRT route in Minnesota has not been finalized yet. But you can Download a Minnesota MRT map. (513 KB pdf). This map is for general orientation purposes only. It indicates the current status of the route, ..."
Upper Mississippi River - via Wikipedia
"The Upper Mississippi River is the portion of the Mississippi River upstream of Cairo, Illinois, United States. From the headwaters at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, the river flows approximately 2000 kilometers ..."

Reader Feedback

What should be added?

Is there a place that should be added to the list? What is your favorite spot along the Twin Cities trails that should be included? Feel free to add more information or a link to your favorite stop! Thanks!

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#3 - TWIN CITIES INFO

The Twin Cities

For additional information about the cities, here are a few links as well as some reading material. The trails in the Twin Cities are not the only interesting part of the area. For those interested, this section provides some background information, helpful links, and regional news that may also be helpful.

Table of Contents

Additional Links

The trails in the Twin Cities are not the only interesting part of the area. For those interested, this section provides some background information, helpful links, and regional news that may also be helpful.
City Pages
City Pages is the definitive source of information for news, music, movies, restaurants, reviews, and events in Minneapolis.... Minneapolis News, Events, Restaurants, Music City Pages
Metromix Twin Cities
Twin Cities events from Metromix, listing the best bets in your neighborhood. Browse or search thousands of event listings in Twin Cities.
Midwest Weekends by Beth Gauper
One-stop source for travel information on the Upper Midwest... Travel the Upper Midwest - Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan
Minnesota Monthly
Minnesota Monthly is the regions most widely circulated lifestyle magazine, catering to a well-educated, affluent audience. Key topics mainly with a strong focus on Minnesota include politics, education, and healthcare. Minnesota Monthly is also a popular resource for local entertainment, travel, ar
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area: Minnesota DNR
About on to tow hours south of the Twin Cities is the Minnesota River Valley that has some beautiful hiking and biking trails. This link also includes some information about trail condition, lodging, maps, and other useful details.
Pioneer Press Newspaper
Pioneer Press - This link will forward you to the Events page in St. Paul's newspaper, the Pioneer Press. ... "Get the most out of life in the Twin Cities - find local events including concerts, festivals, art, theater, and more with TwinCities.com."
Star Tribune Newspaper
Star Tribune - This link will forward you to the Entertainment section of Minneapolis's newspaper, the Star Tribune. ... "Complete coverage of entertainment in the Twin Cities and the nation, from movies and music to theater and books, with the event calendar, reviews, columns, blogs and more."
Transit for Livable Communities
Transit for Livable Communities is a nonprofit organization working to reform Minnesota's transportation system. Through advocacy, community organizing, research, and education, we promote a balanced transportation system that encourages transit, walking, bicycling, and transit-oriented developmen

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Guestbook

Is there a trail that you find especially interesting? Is there a stop that people should be sure to visit? Add your suggestions here or any other thoughts that you may have. Thanks!

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